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Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) and Congressman Aaron Schock
(R-IL) have announced the formation of the Congressional STEAM
(STEM+Arts and Design) Caucus. The group will host briefings and
advocate for policy changes that will encourage educators to integrate
arts, broadly defined, with traditional Science, Technology, Engineering
and Math curriculum. The goal is to encourage the creativity needed to
drive our innovation economy forward. A kickoff briefing sponsored by
the Rhode Island School of Design was held today on Capitol Hill.

"There were digital music devices before the iPod, but it took creative
design and interface development from Apple (News - Alert) to transform the way the
world listens to music," Bonamici said. "We frequently discuss the
importance of STEM education, but we can't ignore the importance of
engaging and educating both halves of the brain. Creative, critical
thinking leads to innovation. The integration of the arts into STEM
curriculum will excite creativity in the minds of our future leaders and
innovators."

"When we talk about training the next generation of workers - creative
minds and creative thinking are some of the most important qualities
that employers look for when making hiring decisions," said Schock.
"Studies have shown that arts education increases test scores and lowers
dropout rates- arts education helps to close the achievement gap,
improves academic skills essential for reading and language development,
and advances students' motivation to learn."

"I believe art and design are poised to transform our economy in the
21st century like science and technology did in the last century," said
RISD President John Maeda. "Adding art
and design to STEM to create STEAM will keep America competitive. As
a lifelong STEM student - I spent many years at MIT (News - Alert) before coming to
RISD - I've seen firsthand the progress that STEM education can produce.
But I've also witnessed STEM's limits. Innovation depends on the problem
solving, risk-taking and creativity that is natural to the way artists
and designers think. Art and science - once inextricably linked - are
better together than apart. We are so pleased that Congresswoman
Bonamici and Congressman Schock are leading the formation of this caucus
in recognizing the critical importance of art and design to the greater
economy."

According to a study
led by Robert Root Bernstein of Michigan State University, Nobel (News - Alert)
laureates in the sciences are much more likely to engage in arts and
crafts than other scientists and the general public. These creative
scientists have an "ability… to explore a wide range of apparently
unrelated activities and to connect the knowledge and skills gained
thereby into integrated networks that can be brought effectively to bear
in raising and solving important scientific problems" STEAM
education will foster creativity, innovation, and thinking outside the
box - all of which will help our students on the path to global
competitiveness.

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